A few people have asked me recently what I think they should pack with them on their August beach trip. I'm only offering a few words on each title, but please, add your thoughts...
Here goes...
Anything by Tana French. Particularly
In the Woods. Smart, totally engrossing, psychologically insightful, wonderful characters.
The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall is epic, hilarious, and deeply moving. And I loved Rusty more than any character since Owen Meany. I'm going to keep recommending this one til everybody listens...
Just had to make myself put down
The Art of Fielding to write this post, and it had me almost crying. A good, old-fashioned, compelling novel.
Beautifully written, a little sci-fi, a little mystery, this novel has been on my favorites list for a long time. It's a little bit of a love story, it's a little bit strange, it's totally gorgeous.
Technically a young adult novel,
The Book Thief is one of my favorite reads of all time. And it's long enough to keep you busy for a while. Part graphic novel, it might remind you of a more grown-up
Number the Stars -- that moving, that pure.
I'd also add
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen,
The Age of Miracles, and
The Name of the Wind (for fantasy fans) -- those are all reviewed elsewhere on this blog.
Happy Reading! May you find that magical, liminal place between perfect awareness and perfect escape that all the best books bring.
